[gradient]

Anybody playing it? I've levelled up to 6 now and am having a good time. They've certainly simplified many aspects of the game compared to the first incarnation but overall it's a very solid outing so far. Somehow it doesn't have my adrenaline pumping like the first game did, though; it feels...I dunno....tamer than the original. Hopefully that changes once I unlock more powers and devastors, though, and get to wreak some SERIOUS havoc!

[Leonard]

How does he gain and upgrade his abilities?

Let me know if it gets better. I see Walmart has it and you get the original Prototype.

[gradient]

A couple of extra days in (up to level 12), having cleared the first two of three zones, I'm fully engrossed in this now.

Heller gains his abilities over the course of the game primarily by completing sets of side missions, some of which enhance the story arch of the game, others are just fetch missions, while the rest are pretty entertaining little mini-games. When a set is completed (usually 3-5 side missions within a set), a new mutation is unlocked.

On top of adding mutations, XP accumulated over the course of the game affects your character's level and each level-up unlocks your choice of a perk in one of five categories.

It's a pretty good system. It probably makes side missions and mini-games more essential to the primary campaign then any other game I can remember playing. The side missions can get a bit repetitive (mostly of the "go over there and kill that group of people"), but the gameplay is entertaining enough that I barely notice.

After completing about 2/3 of the game, my opinion has definitely changed a bit. What felt simplistic at the beginning now feels well calculated. The cut-scenes that seemed disruptive (there are a lot more of them here than in the first game) now have me sucked into their storyline. There's no doubt, too, that the control and combat mechanics are much improved compared to the first game. All in all, I'd give it a solid 7/10, well worth if, especially if you can find a used copy or a new copy on sale.

My only major complaint is this:

 

The Hammerfist ground spike is nearly unstoppable. Once I unlocked it, a solid dose of Jump-Ground Spike-Jump-Ground Spike-etc. while targeting an enemy, has made the boss fights much easier than anything in the first game.

Edit: A good portion of the side missions that garner new mutations are collectable hunting, too. Forgot that when I posted, somehow.

Also, regarding my major complaint:

 

I finally ran into a boss that I couldn't beat with ground spikes. Can't remember her name, but she's the one with the Whipfist, so she'll just nail you with it when you're jumping in the air. Blades and dodging knocked her out pretty quick, though. Now, with Hammerfist and Whipfist I'm feeling fairly omnipotent.

[Leonard]

I might buy it. I'm finishing up ME3 right now, so I have some time.

[gradient]

The last couple days, I keep walking through downtown and thinking "man, I wish I could run straight up the side of that office tower right now". This is addictive s**t.

[Leonard]

I decided to pick it up. I picked up at Gamestop in the mall close to work, as the mall was giving out $5 gift certificates, so I got $5 off.

From what you said, it sounds like a good game. I probably will start it next week, unless I find time on the weekend.

I didn't read the spoilers above so no spoilers, until after I start it...

[Leonard]

Started playing this today, and I have to agree, it's going to be an addictive game.

I see what you mean about running up buildings... Man are the controls good on this game...

[Leonard]

Gradient, you must be almost finished. I just finished the Yellow Zone (I'll have to go back to find the Lair), and just started the Green Zone.

Now that I have some upgrades and the shields, I'm surviving better. I just got the bulletproof to small arms which should help a bit.

[KCrosbie]

Originally Posted by Leonard 

I'm finishing up ME3 right now, so I have some time.

You're still finishing up ME3? Halo Reach still taking the majority of your time?

[Leonard]

Originally Posted by KCrosbie 

You're still finishing up ME3? Halo Reach still taking the majority of your time?

I finished ME3 last week. Haven't touched Halo Reach in months...

Mostly playing Prtotype 2 these days with the occasional jump into MW3.

[Leonard]

Prototype 2 is a short game! I just finished it on normal After 2 weeks. Now I'm doing a run thru on HARD to see if I can get the last 2 achievements.

It was fun though... Just short.

[Leonard]

Got the last 2 achievements! As Gradient says you become rather god-like once you get the hammerfist and whipfist!

 

The only hard boss is Mercer! But even he beatable if you know he's predictable.